CN118478973A - Suspension device for adjusting vehicle suspension - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a suspension device (1) for a vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising a wheel (130) arranged on a swing arm (120), the swing arm (120) being pivotable relative to a vehicle component (110) about a swing arm pivot point (P0), the suspension device (1) comprising: a shock absorber (2) adapted to be arranged relative to the vehicle component (110) and the swing arm (120) such that the first mounting component (21) provides a first pivot point (P1) and the second mounting component (22) provides a second pivot point (P2); the pivot point adjustment device (3) is adapted to effect a position adjustment of the first pivot point (P1) and/or the second pivot point (P2) relative to the swing arm (120) to change a steady state position of the shock absorber (2) relative to the swing arm (120) in accordance with a load change. A vehicle and a method of adjustment are also disclosed.

Description

Suspension device for adjusting vehicle suspension

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a suspension apparatus for adjusting a vehicle suspension, and more particularly, to a suspension apparatus for adjusting a vehicle suspension to improve weight handling.

Background

Suspension devices are used to control the relative motion between the wheels of a vehicle and the frame to achieve desired dynamic characteristics. Such a solution may improve the driving experience while extending the service life of the vehicle by minimizing wear of the vulnerable vehicle components. However, the required damping characteristics may vary greatly depending on road conditions and vehicle loads. Therefore, it is very important to be able to adjust the damping characteristics of the suspension device.

For example, patent document US2022016950A1 discloses a system and method for determining when to adjust a suspension according to the type of terrain over which the vehicle is traveling. The suspension system includes shock absorbers for improving damping characteristics in response to road conditions and vehicle loads. However, these types of solutions typically provide various forms of suspension adjustment, which may hinder any adjustment by the vehicle operator, thereby creating a safety hazard. Furthermore, suspension optimization adjustments often require expertise, especially when the load varies significantly, negatively affecting weight handling.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a suspension apparatus for adjusting a vehicle suspension to improve weight handling and facilitate adjustment.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution which at least alleviates some of the drawbacks mentioned in the prior art solutions and/or others of the drawbacks of the prior art solutions. A first object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle suspension device that facilitates suspension adjustment. The invention defined in claim 1 solves this first object. A second object of the present invention is to provide a suspension device for a vehicle that facilitates weight handling and damping adjustment. This second object is also solved by the invention as defined in claim 1. A third object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle including the suspension device. The invention defined in claim 12 solves the third object. A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle with the suspension device. The invention defined in claim 13 solves this object. It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a method of adjusting a vehicle suspension. The fifth object is solved by the method as defined in claim 15. Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the description.

With the advent of new trends and new lifestyles, there is an increasing demand for weight handling systems for micro-mobile short distance trips. Micro-movement refers to a range of small, lightweight vehicles that operate at relatively low speeds, including both human powered and electric vehicles. Micro-moving vehicles include bicycles, electric scooters, electric skateboards, shared bicycle fleets (shared bicycle fleets), cargo bicycles (which may be composed of two or more wheels), electric pedal assisted bicycles, and the like. In view of the increasing diversity of trends and lifestyles, it is desirable from an economic standpoint to provide a vehicle that can adjust the vehicle ride height (ride height of the bicycle), spring rate, damping ratio, etc. Since micro-mobile vehicles are typically light, increasing the weight of the vehicle (e.g., the weight of the vehicle operator) can have a significant impact. This is particularly significant for freight bicycles, as the load of freight bicycles may vary by +100% or more in different situations. For example, in the case of a relatively low load weight, there may be only one rider, while in the case of a high load weight, there may be included one rider, one or more children as passengers, and additional loads in the form of grocery bags or the like. To improve and/or maximize performance and safety, the necessity of changing suspension system settings is greater. But this makes the proper adjustment more cumbersome as many individual adjustments typically have to be made, and also makes the vehicle operator not willing to make any adjustments at all. To this end, the inventors of the present invention have realized that this problem is solved by providing a suspension device that can appropriately adjust the vehicle running height, spring rate, damping ratio, and the like with only one action.

The invention has been summarized, described and defined in terms of advantageous embodiments in the claims, the basis of which is to adjust the relative position and/or orientation of the shock absorber with respect to the swing arm (on which the wheel is mounted) between different steady-state positions. The method is to mount the shock absorber to the vehicle such that it is rotatably disposed between the vehicle component and the swing arm by the mounting component of the shock absorber, and then to move at least one of the mounting components relative to the swing arm to adjust the steady state position of the shock absorber. Thus, the resting position or 1-g position of the vehicle may be adjusted in response to load changes, whether the load changes are determined in advance or measured after the load changes occur.

The motion ratio is an important feature in evaluating the suspension device. In general, a motion ratio may be defined as the ratio of the displacement of a point of interest to the displacement of another point. In the context of a vehicle suspension, it may be used to describe the amount of force transferred to the vehicle frame. One formula of motion ratio may be

Where MR is the motion ratio, WT is the wheel travel, SD is the spring displacement. In general, the greater the travel of the wheel relative to the frame, the less force the frame absorbs. The relation of the spring displacement and Hooke's law is

F＝-ks (2)

Where k is the spring constant, F is the force, and s is the stretch or compression distance. The spring displacement SD and the stretch or compression distance s may be the same. It can be seen from hooke's law that when the damper compresses less under the same force, it results in a higher spring constant k, which indicates that the damper is good at absorbing a greater force than transmitting it to the vehicle frame.

Thus, as can be seen from the above equation of motion ratio, as the motion ratio increases, the force transmitted to the frame decreases. Alternatively, the installation ratio may be used to describe this characteristic. The mounting ratio may be an inverse of the motion ratio.

A further characteristic of interest in evaluating suspension devices is the wheel speed (WHEEL RATE). The wheel rate WR may be defined as the ratio of the spring rate SR of the damper to the square of the motion ratio MR

Where the spring rate SR may be the same as the spring constant k in hooke's law. The wheel rate is actually the spring rate measured on the wheel, not the spring rate measured on the spring (damper). The wheel rate indicates how much force the damper can absorb.

Damping ratio is another important feature in evaluating suspension devices. The damping ratio may be defined as a measure describing the rate of damping of the damped oscillation from one bounce to the next. Dampers that are disturbed from the steady-state position tend to return to the steady-state position (also referred to as the equilibrium position), but overshoot occurs, causing the damper to bounce around the steady-state position. Damping ratio ζ can be defined as

Wherein c _c is critical damping, c is actual damping of the wheel, and the relation between the actual damping and the damping coefficient c _d of the damper is

The equation of motion of the system can be expressed as

Where ω _n is the natural frequency of the system, m is the mass, and F _external is the external force applied to the system. From the above equation set (4), it can be seen that the damping ratio varies with the mass m and the spring constant k as well as with the actual damping.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suspension device for a vehicle. Preferably, the suspension device is adapted for use in a vehicle comprising a wheel arranged on a swing arm pivotable about a swing arm pivot point relative to a vehicle component of the vehicle. The suspension device includes a shock absorber. The shock absorber means a device composed of a damper and a spring. The spring may be used to facilitate return of the damper to a steady state position. The shock absorber is adapted to be provided with a first mounting part and a second mounting part displaceable relative to each other by expansion and compression of the shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to be arranged relative to the vehicle part and the swing arm such that the first mounting part provides a first pivot point and the second mounting part provides a second pivot point. The suspension device further comprises pivot point adjustment means for adjusting the position of the first pivot point and/or the second pivot point relative to the swing arm to change the steady state position of the shock absorber relative to the swing arm in response to load changes.

By mounting the suspension device on the vehicle as described above, the suspension device can be adjusted in terms of vehicle ride height, spring rate, damping ratio by one action, in particular by moving the one pivot point relative to the swing arm. First, this may adjust the position and/or orientation of the shock absorber relative to the swing arm, thereby affecting the ride height of the vehicle. Second, this can adjust the steady state position of the shock absorber, thereby affecting the spring rate. This can be seen from equation (2) that a change in steady state position results in an initial spring displacement s0= s f, a fraction f >0 of initial compression displacement, and a fraction f <0 of initial expansion displacement, thus the equation is in the form of

F＝-k(s+s0)＝-k(1+f)s＝-k′s

Where k' = (1+f) k+.k. Again, according to equation (4), the damping ratio will vary with the spring constant. In this way, the suspension device can adjust the vehicle to a target suspension configuration predetermined according to the load variation. Furthermore, the present invention allows for adjustment of the suspension in multiple aspects through one action, eliminating the need for separate adjustments in multiple different suspension aspects, thus facilitating adjustments in the weight handling and damping required.

The adjustment of the first and/or second pivot point relative to the swing arm may be made in response to load changes. The load change may include a load weight change. For example, the vehicle operator may change from a first person having a first weight to a second person having a second weight different from the first weight. For example, the vehicle may be loaded with a certain weight of cargo, or the weight of the cargo may be changed, thereby changing the weight loaded on the vehicle. The load change may include a change in center of mass. For example, cargo may be placed on or in a vehicle in different ways, thereby affecting the center of mass.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the suspension vehicle can be adjusted based on spring sinking (SPRING SAG) conditions.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the suspension device can be adjusted according to the load variation to achieve the suspension required for driving. This may be adjusted according to the weight of the vehicle operator or other form of load variation.

The suspension device includes a shock absorber. By shock absorber is meant a mechanical or hydraulic device for absorbing and damping impact pulses. Shock absorbers and dampers may be used interchangeably. The shock absorber may include a piston member movable in a damping fluid reservoir. For example, oil may be used as the damping fluid. The piston may include one or more holes or passages or slits for enabling or facilitating movement of the piston in the damping fluid reservoir. The shock absorber may comprise means for adjusting the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. For example, pilot valve (pilot valve). The device can be controlled remotely. The device may be electrically or mechanically controlled.

The first mounting member and/or the second mounting member may comprise means for pivotable connection with the vehicle member and/or the swing arm. The vehicle component may be a frame or a portion thereof. The swing arm may be pivotally mounted directly to the vehicle component or may be pivotally mounted indirectly to the vehicle component. For example, the first and/or second mounting members may be provided with a through hole for receiving a shaft or bolt or the like to effect the pivoting movement. The shock absorber can expand and compress along the displacement axis. The displacement shaft may be a longitudinal axis of the shock absorber. The first and second mounting members may be arranged such that they move relative to each other along said displacement axis. The first mounting member may be disposed at a proximal or first longitudinal end of the shock absorber. The second mounting member may be disposed at a proximal end of the shock absorber or at a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end.

The vehicle component may be part of the frame or parts. The vehicle component may be a component separate from the frame, optionally movable relative to the frame in a predetermined path of movement.

The suspension device comprises pivot point adjustment means for adjusting the position of the first pivot point and/or the second pivot point. The pivot point adjustment means may be controlled or operated manually and/or automatically. The pivot point adjustment device may be electrically controlled or operated. The pivot point adjustment device may be remotely controlled or operated. The pivot point adjustment means may comprise an actuator and/or linkage means (LINKAGE ARRANGEMENT) defining one or more pivot points. The pivot point adjustment means may be coupled to the damper to adjust the first and/or second pivot points. The pivot point adjustment device may be mounted on a vehicle component. The pivot point adjustment device may be mounted on the swing arm. The pivot point adjustment device is translatable relative to the vehicle component and/or the swing arm.

According to one embodiment, the suspension device comprises a sensor for measuring a suspension parameter that varies with load. The sensor may be a position sensor. The suspension parameter may be a change in position of a component relative to a reference position (e.g., relative to a swing arm of the vehicle component), a compression factor of a shock absorber, or the like. The sensor may be a sensor for measuring other physical quantity changes in response to load changes. By measuring the suspension parameters, the effect of load changes on the vehicle suspension can be understood. This in turn may indicate how much adjustment to the first pivot point and/or the second pivot point is required to achieve the target suspension configuration. The measured suspension parameters may be displayed to the operator via a display device. The measured suspension parameters may directly display the suggested adjustments.

According to another embodiment, the sensor is a position sensor and the suspension parameter is a positional deviation of the swing arm relative to a reference position of the vehicle component. A position sensor may be used to measure the movement of the swing arm and convert the movement into a proportional electrical signal. The electrical signals may be displayed on the display device in a suitable format. The electrical signal may be provided to an automated device for automatic adjustment based on the electrical signal. The position sensor may be an angle sensor. The suspension parameter may be an angular deviation of the swing arm relative to a reference swing arm position. The position sensor may be a distance sensor. The suspension parameter may be a measured distance between a point located on the vehicle component and a point located on the swing arm.

According to one embodiment, the suspension device comprises means for effecting an automatic position adjustment of the first pivot point and/or the second pivot point to vary the steady state position of the shock absorber relative to the swing arm in accordance with sensor measurements provided by said sensor. The means for achieving automatic position adjustment may be referred to as an automatic means. The robot may comprise a processing unit, control means for controlling the pivot point adjustment means, one or more sensors, and connection means for connecting the processing unit to the one or more sensors and to the control means. The shock absorber may comprise control means for adjusting the damping characteristics. The robot may comprise connection means for connecting the processing unit to control means for controlling the shock absorber.

According to one embodiment, the position adjustment of at least one of the first pivot point and the second pivot point of the shock absorber is achieved by a linear actuator or a rotary actuator defining a pivot point movement path along which the one pivot point is movable. The suspension arrangement may be adjusted such that the pivot point movement path is at least partially linear or fully linear. The suspension arrangement is adjustable such that the pivot point movement path is at least partially curved or entirely curved. The pivot point travel path may be partially linear and partially curved. The suspension arrangement may be tuned such that the shape of the path of movement of the pivot point is determined in accordance with providing the desired weight handling characteristics. A linear actuator or a rotary actuator may be arranged to move the pivot point along the pivot point movement path. The suspension device may include both linear and rotary actuators to increase flexibility in the shape of the path of movement of the pivot point, thereby providing greater weight handling flexibility.

According to one embodiment, the actuator may provide stepless position adjustment (stepless position adjustment) of the one pivot point along the path of movement of the pivot point. In this way, the weight can be handled more accurately. As an alternative, the actuator may make a step-wise position adjustment (stepwise position adjustment) of the one pivot point along the path of movement of the pivot point.

According to one embodiment, the actuator is adapted to be connected to the swing arm and to adjust the position of one pivot point of said shock absorber relative to the swing arm. The shock absorber may be pivotally coupled or connected to the vehicle component by a mounting member and to the pivot point adjustment device by an actuator connected to the swing arm. In this way, the suspension device needs to be provided with few additional elements, thereby facilitating the installation and/or use of the suspension device. Furthermore, the risk of component failure is reduced as there are fewer additional components.

According to one embodiment, the pivot point movement path is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the swing arm. With this arrangement, adjustment of the pivot point is made easier. Furthermore, the adjustment of the pivot point may have a greater impact on the vehicle ride height. The pivot point travel path and the longitudinal axis of the swing arm may be inclined relative to one another by an inclination angle. The suspension device is adjustable so that the tilt angle facilitates the adjustment of the movement of the pivot point.

According to one embodiment, the angle of inclination between the pivot point movement path and the longitudinal axis of the swing arm is adjustable. This may be achieved by the pivot point moving means being at least partially movable and/or pivotable with respect to the swing arm, e.g. the actuator may be movable and/or pivotable with respect to the swing arm. The tilt angle may be adjusted by moving and/or pivoting the pivot point moving device or actuator. The automatic device can realize the adjustment of the inclination angle.

According to one embodiment, the actuator is adapted to be connected to a vehicle component and adapted to adjust the position of one pivot point of the shock absorber relative to the swing arm. The shock absorber may be pivotally coupled or connected to the swing arm by a mounting member and to the pivot point adjustment device. In this way, the suspension device requires few additional elements, thereby facilitating the installation and/or use of the suspension device. Furthermore, the risk of component failure is reduced as there are fewer additional components.

According to one embodiment, the actuator is translationally movable relative to the swing arm by means of a linkage arrangement provided with a third pivot point, through which the linkage arrangement is connected to the vehicle component or the swing arm, wherein the distance between said one pivot point and the third pivot point is adjustable by means of the actuator. The shock absorber may be pivotally coupled or connected to the swing arm or vehicle component by a mounting member and to the pivot point adjustment device. In this way, a greater range of motion ratios can be achieved.

According to one embodiment, the first stable position provides a stiffer suspension configuration (a stiffer suspension configuration) and the second stable position provides a softer suspension configuration (a softer suspension configuration). In this way, the vehicle equipped with the suspension device can be adapted to different loads or driving environments, such as on-road driving or off-road driving.

According to one embodiment, the suspension device is adapted to adjust the shock absorber from a first steady state position to a second steady state position, wherein:

the first steady-state position is associated with a hard motion-ratio-to-wheel-travel curve,

The second steady-state position is associated with a soft motion-ratio-to-wheel-travel curve,

Wherein the offset of the soft motion ratio-wheel travel curve relative to the hard motion ratio-wheel travel curve over their nearest vertical distance increases by at least +10%, +20%, +30%, +40% or +50% of the hard motion ratio-wheel travel curve. In this way, the suspension device can determine a wide range of motion ratios based on the wheel travel. The suspension arrangement may be used to provide progressive damping.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a suspension device according to the first aspect of the present invention or any embodiment thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle component, a swing arm pivotable relative to the vehicle component about a swing arm pivot point. The vehicle may include wheels mounted on swing arms. The vehicle component may be a frame of the vehicle, may be part of the frame, or may be a separate component of the frame but connected to the frame.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a bicycle. According to one embodiment, the bicycle is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled bicycle. According to one embodiment, the bicycle is a freight bicycle.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a micro-mobile vehicle. The suspension device may be of compact design and/or lightweight material suitable for use in micro-mobile vehicles.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method of adjusting a vehicle suspension is provided. The method includes the step of providing a vehicle comprising:

The vehicle component is a component of a vehicle,

A swing arm pivotable about a swing arm pivot point relative to the vehicle component,

A wheel mounted on the swing arm, and

Suspension device comprising

And a shock absorber provided with a first mounting part and a second mounting part, the first and second mounting parts being displaceable relative to each other by expansion and compression of the shock absorber, whereby the shock absorber is arranged between the vehicle part and the swing arm such that the first mounting part provides a first pivot point and the second mounting part provides a second pivot point.

The method may further comprise the step of determining a change in vehicle load. The method may further comprise the step of adjusting the position of the first pivot point and/or the second pivot point of the shock absorber relative to the swing arm to change the steady state position of the shock absorber relative to the swing arm in accordance with the determined load change.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of measuring a suspension parameter that varies with load. Said step may be carried out by a sensor adapted to measure said suspension parameter.

According to one embodiment, the suspension parameter is a positional deviation of the swing arm relative to a reference position of the vehicle component, and the step of measuring the suspension parameter is performed by a sensor.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of automatically adjusting the position of the first pivot point and/or the second pivot point based on the sensor measurement provided by the sensor.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with specific embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention when installed on a bicycle;

FIG. 2a shows a side view of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention when mounted on a bicycle, wherein the suspension device is mounted in a first position;

FIG. 2b shows a side view of the suspension device mounted on a bicycle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the suspension device is mounted in a second position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention when installed on a bicycle;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention when installed on a bicycle;

FIGS. 5a-c show perspective views of a portion of the components of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6a-c illustrate side views of a suspension device disposed on a conventional vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7a-c show side views of a suspension device disposed on a conventional vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a suspension device arranged on a conventional vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8a shows a schematic view of at least some components of an automatic device of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 8b-c show suspension arrangements according to two respective embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9a-b show side views of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention when mounted on a conventional vehicle;

9c-d illustrate perspective views of a vehicle incorporating a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of suspension characteristics of a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 shows a schematic diagram of suspension characteristics of a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a method of adjusting a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements.

Various embodiments and configurations of a suspension device 1 for a vehicle 100 are depicted. In general, the suspension device 1 is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 comprising a wheel 130 mounted on a swing arm 120, the swing arm 120 being rotatable relative to the vehicle component 110 about a swing arm pivot point P0, as shown in fig. 1, wherein the suspension device 1 is depicted as being mounted on a bicycle 100. The suspension device 1 may be mounted on various vehicles. Although some drawings describe the case where the suspension device 1 is mounted on the mountain bike 100, the suspension device 1 is not limited to this application. The suspension device 1 is preferably applied to a class of vehicles called micro-moving vehicles.

Further, with reference to fig. 1-4 and fig. 8a, 8b, a description is given of a suspension apparatus 1 arranged according to embodiments of the present invention when provided to a bicycle (with or without motor drive assistance). However, the suspension device 1 is also applicable to other types of vehicles as well.

According to one embodiment, the suspension apparatus 1 includes a damper 2, the damper 2 being provided with a first mounting member 21 and a second mounting member 22, which are movable with respect to each other by expansion and compression of the damper 2. The suspension device 1 may be arranged relative to the vehicle component 110 and/or the swing arm 120 such that the first mounting component 21 provides a first pivot point P1 and the second mounting component 22 provides a second pivot point P2. The suspension device 1 further comprises a pivot point adjustment means 3 for adjusting the position of the first pivot point P1 and/or the second pivot point P2 relative to the swing arm 120 to change the steady state position of the shock absorber 2 relative to the swing arm 120 in response to load changes. In fig. 1, the shock absorber 2 is arranged with respect to the vehicle part 110 and the swing arm 120, the first mounting part 21 being pivotably connected to the vehicle part 110, and the second mounting part 22 being pivotably connected to the pivot point adjustment device 3. The pivot point adjustment device 3 comprises a mounting member 31 which is movable along a shaft 32 connected to an actuator 33. For example, the mounting member 31 and the shaft 32 may be engaged by threads. The actuator 33 operates to rotate the shaft, thereby displacing the mounting 31 relative to the shaft. The pivot point adjustment means 3 may be controlled by automatic means (not shown). The connection means 34 may connect the pivot adjustment means 3 with the robot.

The pivot point adjustment means 3 is adapted to one of the two pivot points provided by the first and second mounting parts 21, 22. For example, as shown in fig. 2a, 2b, the pivot point adjustment device 3 is configured to move the second pivot point P2 between a first position shown in fig. 2a and a second position shown in fig. 2 b. According to one embodiment, the pivot point adjustment means 3 is provided as or comprises a linear or rotary actuator 3 defining a pivot point movement path along which the pivot point is movable. In particular, in fig. 2a, 2b, the second pivot point P2 is movable along a linear path defined by the pivot point adjustment device 3. By varying the position of the second pivot point P2, the damper 2 can be moved between different steady state positions. Different steady state positions may be associated with different loads and/or other driving conditions (e.g., road conditions, speeds, etc.). The load change may include a change in load weight (including vehicle operator). Load variations may also include variations in the center of mass of the vehicle/load configuration when the load weight is unchanged. The load change may include a change in load weight and center of mass.

The suspension device 1 can adjust the vehicle suspension to improve comfort and shock absorption. In addition, it can further adjust the running height of the vehicle. The suspension device 1 can adjust the damping characteristics and the vehicle running height only by one adjustment.

Referring to fig. 1 and 8a, the suspension device 1 may further comprise a robot 5 for effecting automatic position adjustment of the first pivot point P1 and/or the second pivot point P2. The robot 5 may be an ECU or comprise an ECU with a processing unit 51. The robot 5 comprises a processing unit 51. The processing unit 51 may receive one or more input signals. The processing unit 51 may process the received one or more input signals. The processing unit 51 may provide instructions for controlling the pivot point adjustment device 3, for example for providing instructions to the control device 52. The robot 5 may include one or more sensors 53 for measuring a corresponding one or more suspension parameters. The robot 5 may include one or more memory modules for storing sensed data, driving data, etc. The robot 5 may comprise connection means for connecting the processing unit 51 with said one or more sensors 53 and for connecting the processing unit 51 with said control means 52. The shock absorber may comprise control means for adjusting the damping characteristics. The robot 5 may comprise connection means for connecting the processing unit 51 to control means for controlling the shock absorber.

Although the suspension device is illustrated as being disposed on the rear swing arm of the bicycle, the suspension device is not limited to being disposed on the rear swing arm of the bicycle, but may be disposed on the front fork of the bicycle when disposed on the bicycle.

According to one embodiment, the suspension device 1 comprises a linkage. Fig. 3 illustrates such an embodiment, wherein the suspension device 1 is arranged in a coupled manner between the vehicle component 110 and the swing arm 120. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 2 is pivotably coupled to the vehicle component 110 by the second mounting component 22 to pivot about the second pivot point P2, while the first mounting component 21 is pivotably coupled to the first link member 32 of the linkage to pivot about the first pivot point P1. The first link member 32 is pivotally connected with the second link member 35 for pivoting about the fourth pivot point P4. The second link member 35 is pivotally connected to the swing arm 120. The pivot point adjustment device 3 comprises a mounting part 31, the mounting part 31 being connected to the first link member 32 and being pivotally connected to the vehicle part 110 for pivoting about the third pivot point P3. The pivot point adjustment means 3 is used to drive the movement of the mounting part 31 relative to the first link member 32 to adjust the position of the first pivot point P1 relative to the swing arm. In addition, the pivot point adjustment device 3 may also drive the first link member 32 to move to adjust the relative position of the second pivot point P1 with respect to the third pivot point P3. With this embodiment, a larger range of motion can be achieved.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment in which the second mounting member 22 is pivotally connected to the swing arm 120, rather than the vehicle member 110 in the embodiment shown in fig. 3. Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates another arrangement of shock absorbers, and further illustrates that the suspension devices can be arranged in a variety of ways with respect to the vehicle component 110 and swing arm 120, while still providing the same overall function.

Fig. 5a-c show part of the elements of a suspension device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 5a shows an embodiment of the pivot point adjustment device 3. The pivot point adjustment device 3 shown in fig. 5a comprises a mounting part 31 and a shaft 32, the longitudinal ends of the shaft 32 being connected with respective mounting parts 36 and 37. The pivot point adjustment device 3 shown in fig. 5a further comprises a through hole in each mounting part 31, 36, 37 for receiving a pin, shaft or similar for the pivot connection. The mounting member 31 accommodates an actuator for displacing the shaft relative to the mounting member 31. The actuator is connected to a connection means 34 for remote control.

Fig. 5b shows a shock absorber 2. The damper comprises a first mounting part 21 and a second mounting part 22, which parts are movable relative to each other. The first mounting member 21 is connected to a main body 25 of the shock absorber 2, and a damping fluid reservoir is provided in the main body 25. The second mounting member 22 is connected to a piston rod adapted to engage the damping reservoir. The shock absorber 2 comprises a spring 23, the spring 23 being arranged for moving the piston rod 24 and the shock absorber body 25 apart into a steady state position.

Fig. 5c shows a pivot point adjustment device 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The pivot point adjustment device 3 comprises a mounting member 31 arranged axially movable relative to a shaft 32. The pivot point adjustment device 3 comprises an actuator 33 for moving the mounting member 31 relative to the shaft 32. The pivot point adjustment means 3 can be operated remotely by control means which are connected to the actuator 33 by connection means 34.

Fig. 6a-c show an embodiment of a suspension device 1, which is mounted on a vehicle component 110 of a vehicle 100. The portion of the vehicle 100 in the figures is represented by a dashed line, which means that the vehicle is not limited to any type or class. The suspension device 1 is arranged in the following manner: the shock absorber 2 is pivotably arranged on the vehicle component 110 by a mounting component, pivoting about a first pivot point P1; the other mounting part of the shock absorber is pivotably arranged on the pivot point adjustment device 3, pivoting about a second pivot point P2. The pivot point adjustment means 3 can move the second pivot point P2 along a pivot point movement path which is inclined at an angle alpha with respect to the longitudinal axis of the swing arm. Fig. 6a shows the suspension device 1 with the shock absorber 2 in a first stable position, while fig. 6b shows the suspension device 1 with the shock absorber 2 in a second stable position. Fig. 6c shows a cross-sectional view of the suspension device 1.

Fig. 7a-c show an embodiment of a suspension device 1, which is mounted on a vehicle component 110 of a vehicle 100. The portion of the vehicle 100 in the figures is represented by a dashed line, which means that the vehicle is not limited to any type or class. The suspension device 1 is arranged in the following manner: the damper 2 is pivotably arranged on the linkage by means of a mounting part to pivot about a first pivot point P1. The pivot point adjustment means 3 is mounted on the linkage means. The pivot point adjustment device 3 is pivotably arranged on the vehicle component 110 to pivot about a third pivot point P3. The linkage further defines a fourth pivot point P4 and a fifth pivot point P5. Fig. 7a shows the suspension device 1 with the shock absorber 2 in a first stable position, while fig. 7b shows the suspension device 1 with the shock absorber 2 in a second stable position. Fig. 7c shows a cross-sectional view of the suspension device 1.

Fig. 8 shows a suspension device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 2 is pivotally mounted on the swing arm by a mounting member to pivot about the second pivot point P2. The other mounting part of the shock absorber 2 is pivotably provided on the pivot point moving device 3 to pivot about the first pivot point P1. The pivot point displacement device 3 comprises a mounting part which is pivotably mounted on the vehicle part 110. The mounting component houses an actuator for driving movement of a shaft or linkage member 32 associated with the shock absorber. The shaft or link member 32 is also configured to be pivotally connected to a second link member 35 (which is pivotally mounted on the vehicle component 110) to pivot about a fifth pivot point P5. When the swing arm 120 pivots about the pivot point P0 with respect to the vehicle component 110, the suspension device 1 can damp the movement in a preferred manner depending on which steady-state position the shock absorber is set to.

Fig. 8b shows a suspension device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 2 is pivotably arranged on a linkage arrangement comprising two link members 35a, 35b pivotably connected to each other to pivot about a pivot point P4. One of the link members 35b is also pivotally arranged on the swing arm 120 to pivot about the pivot point P5, while the other link member 35a is pivotally arranged on the mounting part 31 of the pivot point adjustment device 3 to pivot about the pivot point P3, the mounting part 31 being movable along the shaft or link member 32 by means of an actuator 33. One mounting part of the shock absorber 2 is pivotally mounted on the first link member 35a to pivot about the second pivot point P2. One mounting member of the shock absorber 2 is pivotally mounted to the vehicle member 110 to pivot about a first pivot point P1. Thus, by means of the pivot point adjustment device 3, the position of the second pivot point P2 with respect to the vehicle component 110 can be adjusted by moving the mounting member 31 with respect to the shaft or link member 32, thereby changing the state of the link device and adjusting the position of the second pivot point P2.

Fig. 8c shows a suspension device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the damper 2 is pivotable about a second pivot point P2, the position of which second pivot point P2 is adjustable by means of a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator includes a rotatable disc member 36 which is rotatably movable about a pivot point P5. A mounting member of the shock absorber 2 is pivotally mounted to the rotatable disc member 36 such that the pivot point movement path is arcuate. The rotatable movement of the rotatable disc part 36 is controlled by a link member 35a pivotally arranged at the rotatable disc part 36 to pivot about the pivot point P4, said link member 35a also being pivotally arranged on a mounting part 31, which mounting part 31 is movable along the shaft or link member 32 by means of an actuator 33. Thus, by means of the pivot point adjustment device 3, the position of the second pivot point P2 with respect to the vehicle component 110 can be adjusted by moving the mounting component 31 with respect to the shaft or link member 32, thereby effecting rotation of the rotating disc component 36 and positional adjustment of the second pivot point P2.

Fig. 9a-b show another embodiment of the suspension device 1. In principle the same arrangement as shown in fig. 1, but the swing arm is designed as a parallel link swing arm 120. Each of the two parallel links is pivotable relative to the vehicle component about a respective pivot point P0. Wheels 130 are provided on the swing arms. Fig. 9a shows a first steady state position of the shock absorber 2, while fig. 9b shows a second steady state position of the shock absorber 2.

Fig. 9c, 9d show perspective views of a vehicle 100 comprising a suspension device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Specifically, fig. 9c, 9d show one example of a suspension arrangement 1 provided for managing the rear suspension of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 comprises a swing arm 120 on which a wheel axle is arranged, along which two wheels 130 are arranged. However, the suspension device 1 may also be applied to and arranged in other types of vehicles, such as various forms of micro-moving vehicles. The suspension device 1 can be applied to a bicycle such as a two-wheeled or three-wheeled bicycle.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram consisting of an upper and a lower diagram. The upper graph shows two curves 200A, 200B of damper compression-wheel travel corresponding to different steady-state positions of the shock absorber 2 of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and the like. Likewise, the lower graph shows two motion ratio versus wheel travel curves 201A, 201B, each corresponding to a different steady state position of the shock absorber in the embodiment of FIG. 1, etc. The suspension device 1 is adjustable in pivot point in the area spanned by the curves in the upper and lower figures. It follows that the suspension device 1 can be flexibly adjusted according to load changes.

Like fig. 10, fig. 11 is also a schematic diagram composed of an upper diagram and a lower diagram. The upper graph shows two curves 300A, 300B of damper compression-wheel travel, corresponding to different steady-state positions of the shock absorber 2 in the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and the like, respectively. Likewise, the lower graph shows two motion ratio versus wheel travel curves 301A, 301B corresponding to different steady state positions of the shock absorber in the embodiment of FIG. 3, etc. The suspension device 1 is adjustable in pivot point in the area spanned by the curves in the upper and lower figures. It follows that the suspension device 1 can be flexibly adjusted according to load changes. By way of comparison, the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and the like provides a greater range of motion than the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and the like, while also providing a more gradual damping behavior.

Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a method of adjusting the suspension apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the following steps:

step S1: providing a vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 comprising

-A vehicle component 110;

a swing arm 120 pivotable about a swing arm pivot point P0 relative to the vehicle component;

a wheel 130 mounted on the swing arm 120, and

Suspension device 1 comprising

O the shock absorber 2, a first mounting part 21 and a second mounting part 22 are provided, which are movable with respect to each other by expansion and compression of the shock absorber 2, such that the shock absorber 2 is arranged between the vehicle part 110 and the swing arm 120, such that the first mounting part 21 provides a first pivot point P1, the second mounting part 22 provides a second pivot point P2,

The method comprises the following steps:

step S2, determining a load variation of the vehicle 100, and

Step S3 of adjusting the position of the first pivot point P1 and/or the second pivot point P2 of the shock absorber 2 with respect to the swing arm 120 in response to the determined load variation to change the steady state position of the shock absorber 2 with respect to the swing arm 120.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a step S4 of measuring a suspension parameter, which parameter varies with load. The suspension parameter may be a positional deviation of the swing arm 120 relative to the vehicle component 110 forming a reference position. The step of measuring the suspension parameter may be accomplished by a sensor. According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step S5 of automatically adjusting the position of the first pivot point P1 and/or the second pivot point P2 based on the sensor measurements provided by the sensor. Steps S4 and S5 are indicated in fig. 12 by dashed lines, indicating that they are optional.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. Suspension device (1) for a vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising a wheel (130) arranged on a swing arm (120), the swing arm (120) being adapted to pivot relative to a vehicle component (110) about a swing arm pivot point (P0), the suspension device (1) comprising:

-a shock absorber (2), the shock absorber (2) being provided with a first mounting part (21) and a second mounting part (22), the first mounting part (21) and the second mounting part (22) being mutually displaced by expansion and compression of the shock absorber (2), whereby the shock absorber (2) is adapted to be arranged in relation to the vehicle part (110) and the swing arm (120) such that the first mounting part (21) provides a first pivot point (P1), the second mounting part (22) provides a second pivot point (P2),

-Pivot point adjustment means (3) adapted to effect a position adjustment of the first pivot point (P1) and/or the second pivot point (P2) with respect to the swing arm (120) to change the steady state position of the shock absorber (2) with respect to the swing arm (120) in accordance with a load change.

2. Suspension device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a sensor for measuring a suspension parameter, which suspension parameter varies with load variations.

3. Suspension device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is a position sensor and the suspension parameter is a positional deviation of the swing arm (120) with respect to a reference position of the vehicle component (110).

4. A suspension device (1) according to any one of claims 2-3, comprising means for enabling automatic position adjustment of the first pivot point (P1) and/or the second pivot point (P2) to change the steady state position of the shock absorber (2) relative to the swing arm (120) depending on sensor measurements provided by the sensor.

5. Suspension device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the adjustment of the position of at least one pivot point (P1, P2) of the first pivot point (P1) and the second pivot point (P2) of the shock absorber (2) is achieved by a linear actuator or a rotary actuator (3), said one pivot point being movable along a pivot point movement path defined by the actuator (3).

6. Suspension device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (3) is capable of stepless position adjustment of the one pivot point (P1, P2) along the pivot point movement path.

7. Suspension device (1) according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the actuator (3) is adapted to be connected to the swing arm (120) and to adjust the position of the one pivot point (P1, P2) of the shock absorber (2) relative to the swing arm (120).

8. Suspension device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the pivot point movement path and the longitudinal axis of the swing arm (120) are not parallel.

9. Suspension device (1) according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the actuator (3) is adapted to be connected to the vehicle component (110) and to adjust the position of the one pivot point (P1, P2) of the shock absorber (2) relative to the swing arm (120).

10. Suspension device (1) according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the actuator (3) is translatable relative to the swing arm (110) by means of a linkage (4), the linkage (4) being provided with a third pivot point (P3), the linkage (4) being connected to the vehicle component (110) or the swing arm (120) by means of the third pivot point (P3), wherein the distance between the one pivot point (P1, P2) and the third pivot point (P3) is adjustable by means of the actuator (3).

11. Suspension device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted to enable the damper (2) to be adjusted from a first steady-state position to a second steady-state position,

The first steady state position is associated with a hard motion ratio-wheel travel curve,

The second steady-state position is associated with a soft-motion-ratio-wheel travel curve,

Wherein the offset of the soft motion ratio-wheel travel curve relative to the hard motion ratio-wheel travel curve over their nearest vertical distance increases by at least +10%, +20%, +30%, +40% or +50% of the hard motion ratio-wheel travel curve.

12. A vehicle (100) includes

-A vehicle component (110);

-a swing arm (120), the swing arm (120) being adapted to pivot about a swing arm pivot point (P0) relative to a vehicle component;

-a wheel (130) mounted on the swing arm (120), and

-A suspension device (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

13. The vehicle (100) according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle (100) is a bicycle.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the bicycle is a two-wheeled bicycle or a three-wheeled bicycle.

15. A method of adjusting a suspension of a vehicle (100), the method comprising:

a step (S1) of providing a vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:

-a vehicle component (110);

-a swing arm (120), the swing arm (120) being adapted to pivot about a swing arm pivot point (P0) relative to a vehicle component;

-a wheel (130) mounted on the swing arm (120), and

-A suspension device (1), the suspension device (1) comprising:

o a shock absorber (2) having a first mounting part (21) and a second mounting part (22), the first mounting part (21) and the second mounting part (22) being displaceable relative to each other by expansion and compression of the shock absorber (2), wherein the shock absorber (2) is arranged between the vehicle part (110) and the swing arm (120) such that the first mounting part (21) provides a first pivot point (P1), the second mounting part (22) provides a second pivot point (P2),

The method comprises the following steps:

A step (S2) of determining a load variation of the vehicle (100), and

-A step (S3) of adjusting the position of the first pivot point (P1) and/or the second pivot point (P2) of the shock absorber (2) with respect to the swing arm (120) to change the steady state position of the shock absorber (2) with respect to the swing arm (120) in response to the determined load change.